Are you struggling with summer skin dryness? Try the top-rated moisturizer for dry skin to lock in moisture and boost hydration.
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Summer or winter, dry skin doesn’t take a vacation. In fact, the hot sun, air conditioning and outdoor activities can make your skin feel tight, flaky and uncomfortable. This is why choosing the right moisturizer for dry skin during the warmer months can keep your skin hydrated and glowing. It can replenish lost moisture, soothe and protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Using the lightweight formula for summer can keep your skin soft, smooth and glowing without feeling greasy. This guide will help you understand what your skin needs and how to pick the top-rated moisturizers for dry skin to beat the summer heat.
What causes summer dryness?
While dry skin is often associated with winter, summer also brings its own challenges. Constant exposure to the sun and heat causes moisture loss. Moreover, air conditioning can zap hydration from your skin. Also, summer calls for frequent cleansing that can strip natural oils and weaken your skin barrier. This can make your skin feel dehydrated, sensitive and flaky even in the heat.
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What ingredients should you look for in a moisturizer for dry skin?
1. Hyaluronic acid: It may attract and hold moisture, giving a hydration boost. According to the Dermatology Therapy Journal, it can support skin rejuvenation and healing.
2. Ceramides: This ingredient can help rebuild your skin’s protective barrier to lock in moisture. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology states that ceramides can help maintain the water permeability barrier function of the skin.
3. Glycerin: By drawing water to the skin’s surface, it can keep your skin soft and smooth. This can help improve skin barrier function for up to 24 hours after application, as per the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
4. Natural oils and butter: The best moisturizer for dry skin with these ingredients can replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier and lock in hydration.
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Tips for applying a moisturizer for dry skin
To get the most out of your face moisturizer for dry skin, you must apply it correctly. As per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you should follow these steps:
1. Apply moisturizers for dry skin on damp skin to prevent water loss.
2. Avoid any moisturizers for dry skin that come with alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acid and fragrance.
3. For dry skin, start with a cream or ointment-based moisturizer.
6 moisturizers for dry skin that work well in summer
A lightweight moisturizer for dry skin that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and more can offer intense hydration and barrier repair. Check out these top-rated moisturizer creams for dry skin:
1. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream is a dermatologist-trusted formula for dry to normal skin. With a rich, almond-scented, non-irritating texture, this face moisturizer for dry skin deeply nourishes face and body without clogging pores. It is ideal for men and women and helps soften flaky, tight skin and provides long-lasting hydration, even in harsh, dry conditions.
Why choose:
- Gentle, non-comedogenic formula
- Deep hydration for dry, sensitive skin
- Suitable for face and body
Why avoid:
- May feel greasy for oily skin
- Mixed opinions on value for money
Customer’s reactions: Customers praised this moisturizer for dry skin for its softening effect on very dry skin. Some found it non-greasy; others said it was too oily.
2. Dot & Key Ceramides + Hyaluronic Moisturizer
This ultra-hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer for dry skin combines 5 ceramides, probiotics, and rice water to soothe, strengthen, and deeply nourish dry or sensitive skin. It restores the skin barrier and balances the microbiome while keeping the texture smooth and light for daily use. Moreover, it is ideal for those battling persistent dryness.
Why choose:
- Strengthens skin barrier
- Lightweight yet deeply hydrating
- Fragrance-free and gentle on sensitive skin
Why avoid:
- May irritate some skin types
- Can feel greasy for a few users
Customers’ reactions: Most users loved the hydration and soft texture of this moisturizer for dry skin. However, some experienced irritation or greasiness.
3. Minimalist Marula Oil 5% Face Moisturizer
Infused with 5% marula oil and skin-repairing vitamins, this moisturizer for dry skin delivers intense nourishment to dry, sensitive, and mature skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin F to help hydrate deeply while restoring the skin’s lipid barrier without the weight of traditional oils.
Why choose:
- Powerful hydration with skin-repairing actives
- Rich in antioxidants and omega-9s
- Lightweight feel despite oil content
Why avoid:
- Mixed reviews on the glow effect
- It can be greasy for some users
Customers’ reactions: This best moisturizer for dry skin was appreciated for hydrating dry and sensitive skin. Many liked the non-heavy texture, though a few complained it felt oily.
4. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin
Developed with dermatologists, this rich cream features ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and MVE technology for lasting hydration. This moisturizer for dry skin is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, which restores the skin barrier and deeply moisturizes without leaving a greasy residue.
Why choose:
- Ideal for very dry skin
- Fragrance-free and gentle
- Long-lasting hydration with MVE technology
Why avoid:
- Relatively expensive
- May not suit oily skin types
Customers’ reactions: Customers found it good for extremely dry, flaky skin. They loved its rich yet non-oily finish. Some users found it pricey but effective enough to justify the cost.
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5. Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion with Vitamin E
Powered by unique Vitamin E phosphate, this soothing moisturizer for dry skin provides long-lasting hydration and superior antioxidant protection. It is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and gentle, which makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Why choose:
- Excellent for sensitive, combination skin
- Fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- Antioxidant-rich formula
Why avoid:
- May cause breakouts in some users
- Considered pricey by some
Customers’ reactions: Customers loved the smooth, bumpy texture and its mild scent. Users with sensitive skin reported positive results. A few found it led to breakouts or felt it wasn’t worth the price.
6. The Derma Co Ceramide + HA Intense Moisturizer
This intense moisturizer for dry skin blends ceramides and hyaluronic acid to provide 72-hour hydration, repair the skin barrier, and calm irritation. Moreover, it iss non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-approved for dry, normal, and acne-prone skin.
Why choose:
- Long-lasting hydration (up to 72 hours)
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Free from parabens, dyes, sulfates
Why avoid:
- Small quantity for the price
- Mixed results on acne-prone skin
Customers’ reactions: Customers praised this moisturizer for dry skin for its non-greasy texture and ability to hydrate dry skin effectively. Some users reported skin irritation or found it underwhelming.
Don’t wait, and opt for the best moisturizer for dry skin!
(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)
Related FAQs
Why do you need a moisturiser?
Moisturisers are essential as they can help reduce fine lines, and wrinkles, improve hydration levels and boost skin radiance. They can also provide a cooling effect to your skin and reduce itching.
How often should I use face moisturisers?
You should use a moisturiser every day whenever your skin feels dry. Apply it after every wash to make your skin feel hydrated and lock in moisture.
Which type of moisturiser is best?
It depends on skin type and preference. For dry skin, oil-based moisturisers work best, while for oily skin, gel or water-based moisturisers are beneficial.
Is it better to use a moisturiser that contains SPF?
It is a good idea to use a moisturiser that contains SPF as it can provide additional protection against sun damage. When you need to be out in the sun for an extended time, apply broad-spectrum protection sunscreen after your moisturiser.
